Office of Patient and Community Education (OPACE)

Cancer patient education, advocacy, community outreach, and cancer wellness activities are planned and implemented through VICC's Office of Patient and Community Education (OPACE). The goal of OPACE is to empower health care consumers to make informed decisions along the cancer care continuum through advocacy, education, and outreach initiatives.

Cancer Patient Education and Resources

The cancer patient education program provides educational resources to assist patients and caregivers in making informed decisions about their cancer care.

The Patient and Family Resource Center is a one-stop information resource for cancer-related issues for anyone that has been touched by cancer. It includes free brochures, pamphlets and access to web-based information, as well as a staff member to assist you.

For more information about patient education initiatives or to obtain information/resources, please call 615-322-9799.

Patient Advocacy

The Patient Advocacy Program provides opportunities for cancer survivors and caregivers to become engaged across the cancer care setting. Through a variety of volunteer roles, advocates contribute their unique experiences, perspectives and skills to programs, committees, and events at VICC and in the community.

Research Advocacy

Cancer survivors and caregivers provide a unique perspective and play an important role in helping researchers bring the best science to those affected by cancer. The VICC Research Advocacy program provides opportunities for advocates to participate and contribute to the research process and outcomes for future patients. For more information about the research advocacy program, please call 615-936-1072 or visit www.vicc.org/advocacy.

The Hope Connection

The Hope Connection connects patients and their families with trained volunteers who have personally experienced the challenges and complex issues of a cancer diagnosis. Volunteers are available to listen, talk, and offer support at any time before, during, and after cancer treatment. To learn more visit Hope Connection or call 615-936-8501​.

Advisory Roles

To ensure the views and needs of cancer patients are represented, VICC offers opportunities for advocates to serve as members of committees, councils, initiatives, etc. that work to improve the experiences of those facing a cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. For more information please call 615-936-1072.

Cancer Clinic

Volunteers provide support and comfort to patients and families in multiple clinic areas at VICC.Vanderbilt Volunteer services application, orientation, background check and immunizations required. Must be 21 years or older with a minimum commitment of 6 months. Opportunities are available Monday-Friday, 8am-4:40pm and duties include visiting with patients and families, offering refreshments and resources, and helping with specific projects as needed. For more information call 615-936-0281 or visit www.volunteeratvanderbilt.com.

Community Outreach

OPACE plans, implements and evaluates numerous community education programs each year. In an effort to share expertise and leverage resources, programs are planned in partnership with community, state and national cancer-related organizations. Prevention, early detection and risk reduction programming priorities are focused on high risk populations and areas with highest cancer incidence and mortality rates throughout Tennessee.

Some of those programs include:

Cancer screenings

Health fairs

Cancer education/awareness programs

Survivorship programs

​​For more information about community outreach initiatives, please call: 615-875-8956.​